Smithson likely to play in Game 6

Predators forward Jerred Smithson will likely be back in the lineup today at 7 p.m. when Nashville hosts Vancouver in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals at Bridgestone Arena.

“I’m very optimistic that he’ll be ready to go tonight,” Predators Coach Barry Trotz said following Monday’s morning skate.

Smithson did not play in Game 5 at Vancouver. He suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4, apparently when he took an elbow to the head from Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler. Smithson nor Trotz confirmed the actual injury. Smithson did not wear a cage during Monday’s morning skate, and said he does not plan to.

“I feel good,” Smithson said. “It’s obviously up to the coaching staff now. It’s been a couple of days here, but I feel good.”

Smithson did not make the trip to Vancouver for Game 5 and said he watched it at home on his couch. In 10 playoff games this season, he has one goal and one assist. His goal was the game-winner in overtime against Anaheim in Game 5 of the first round.

“Smitty is our best faceoff guy,” Trotz said. “He’s our best penalty killer. He’s hard on the puck. He gives you every ounce of ability that he has, shift in and shift out. And he’s a real glue guy for us.”